After today's game in St. Louis, the Bucs are on the road again against Minnesota, home against San Francisco, on the road against the Los Angeles Rams and stay on the road against New Orleans. Those four games should fill or empty the Bucs' glass for 1987.

But Perkins thinks the test begins today against the Cardinals (2-5).

''They are better than Green Bay and they always play tough in St. Louis,'' he said. ''St. Louis is a very good team.''

Well, once again, that's partially true. They haven't been a very good defense, especially against the pass. Their cornerbacks are weak and their linebackers have been living on reputation.

More than that, most components of their special teams are among the worst in the league. The one exception is return specialist Vai Sikahema, who returned two punts for touchdowns against the Bucs in last year's final game. And the Cardinals think dissension is a natural part of their working environment. Owner William Bidwill wants to get out of St. Louis -- and the city doesn't particularly care one way or the other.

But the Cardinals know how to move the ball -- especially how to throw it. Quarterback Neil Lomax isn't warm until about his 30th pass, and ageless receiver J.T. Smith gives a clinic every Sunday on how to run the 12-to-15- yard pass route across the middle.

The Bucs have not faced a passer like Lomax this season. Chicago's Jim McMahon passed circles around the Bucs, and so did Green Bay's Randy Wright. Lomax is better.

Tampa Bay tried to fall back and contain McMahon and Wright in the fourth quarters of their last two games. It failed against McMahon and barely worked against Wright.

Aggression seems to be the answer against Lomax. He throws few interceptions, which is good, but is sacked often, which is bad. Does he hold the ball long enough or too long? Point of view again.

One problem for Lomax is that he likes to throw deep and his favorite deep threat, Roy Green, is doubtful because of a hamstring injury.

The Bucs appear to be at least halfway up the ladder of success. How well they handle Lomax and the Cardinals' passing game today will give them an idea of how far they have to go.

And with Minnesota (Tommy Kramer) and San Francisco (Joe Montana) down the line, now is the time to find out.